Police link attack on girl in town to spate of knife robberies
A GIRL was attacked by a gang and detectives are linking it to a spate of knife robberies in Nuneaton.
Fortunately the girl was not seriously injured during the incident near to the Jubilee Sports Centre in Greenmoor Road.
West Midlands Ambulance Service said they were called to reports of a stabbing, but were later stood down by police. Warwickshire Police say the victim suffered a minor stomach injury that was not life-threatening.
A police helicopter was scrambled around Arbury, Bermuda and Stockingford to trace the gang. Investigating officers believe the same gang are behind four robberies in the area over the past week.
Detective Inspector Owen Fell said: “Unfortunately, we have seen a number of robberies take place within a small area of Nuneaton during the past week. We would like to reassure the local community that we have begun a comprehensive investigation in response to these incidents.
“Our detectives are working with the victims to provide them with the relevant support and we will also have uniformed officers carrying out reassurance patrols in the area so you may see an increased police presence as we continue our work. We’re pursuing a number of lines of enquiry as part of our ongoing investigation, but we’d also appeal for anyone who witnessed any of the incidents to come forward.
“Anyone who has information - no matter how small it may seem please get in contact as it may prove to be a vital part of our ongoing investigation.”
The first incident is reported to have taken place at Bermuda Phoenix Centre on Bermuda Road on Tuesday, June 21.
A 15-year-old girl was approached by three male suspects, one of whom threatened her with a bladed article before another suspect is reported to have assaulted her, causing facial injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening. The victim’s pushbike was stolen.
The second incident took place on the children’s play area in Jubilee Park on Greenmoor Road between 5pm and 6pm on Friday, June 24.
Police say a teenage girl was approached by a suspect who demanded she hand over her bag before showing her what is believed to be a bladed item. The suspect then left the area in an unknown direction with the bag, which was empty.
The third incident took place in Orkney Close on Sunday June 26. A woman in her 40s was riding an e-scooter when she was approached by a group of around ten teenage boys.
One of the boys is understood to have pushed the victim from behind, causing her to fall and suffer a fractured elbow. The e-scooter was taken but subsequently returned to the victim.
The fourth incident took place at the Jubilee Sports Centre on Greenmoor Road at just before 8.30pm on June 27. A teenage girl was playing football with friends when she was approached by a group of five males and one female.
They demanded the victim’s speaker before producing a bladed item, which it is believed he assaulted the victim with.
A Warwickshire Police spokesman said anyone who has information on any of the incidents should call Warwickshire Police on 101.